Kathryn C. Oleson

Michael A. Pitts

Daniel Reisberg

Cognitive psychology, perception, memory, forensic issues.

Courses in psychology focus on problems in the understanding of both human and animal behavior. The department adopts an empirical point of view, believing it is through research that we best gain the information necessary to address a broad range of psychological questions. Psychological, biological, and social factors are considered in the context of research findings and current theories of motivation, learning, thinking, language, perception, and human development. Students are encouraged to develop objective and analytic attitudes toward psychological phenomena.

The focus on empirical research begins in the introductory course (Psychology 121 and 122), which includes opportunities for students to discuss psychological research in conferences and to participate in structured research projects. These introductory experiences represent several disciplinary areas within psychology. The 200-level courses provide further exposure to selected research areas within psychology, with few or no prerequisites. Students majoring in psychology gain breadth in the field by completing four of eight “core” courses and by writing the research proposal based on selected readings required to pass the junior qualifying exam. It is not uncommon for psychology students to publish the results of their research in professional journals jointly with faculty members.

In addition to the laboratory and computer facilities in the department, there are opportunities for students to conduct research or to work as participant observers in a number of community settings, including day care centers, local schools, crisis centers, and juvenile detention centers. Students also have access to research programs at the Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon National Primate Research Center.

A major in psychology frequently leads to professional or graduate study in psychology. Those who intend to do graduate work in psychology should broaden their preparation in mathematics, the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, or the social sciences, rather than concentrating solely on psychology. Some students combine a major in psychology with preparation for medical school, law school, or other advanced professional training. Recent psychology majors have also entered careers in such diverse areas as computer science, banking, and politics.

Requirements for the Major1.At least 11 units in psychology, including:a) Psychology 121 and 122.b) Four of the following eight courses: Psychology 322 (Social Psychology), 333 (Behavioral Neuroscience), 351 (Psychopathology), 361 (Developmental Psychology), 366 (Cognitive Processes), 373 (Learning), 381 (Sensation & Perception), 393 (Psycholinguistics).c) Psychology 348 (Research Design and Data Analysis).d) Thesis (Psychology 470).All students must take the junior qualifying examination before entering the senior year. Ordinarily, the qualifying exam is taken in the second semester of the student’s junior year. Students are eligible to take the Qualifying Exam only if they have already completed five units in Psychology, at least two of which are core courses (listed in “b” above).2.Six units in an allied field selected from the fields below, approved by the adviser when the student declares the major. Cross-listed courses taught by psychology faculty may not be used to meet the requirements of an allied field.a) Arts and Literature—six units in the following allied disciplines, to include at least two units from each of two separate disciplines: art, creative writing, dance, humanities (210, 220, 230), music, literature, theatre. No more than four applied courses (i.e., studio art, creative writing, applied courses in dance and music, acting and design courses in theatre) may be counted.b) Biological, Physical, and Computational Sciences—six units in the following disciplines, to include at least two units from each of two separate disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics.c) Cognitive Science—six units in the following disciplines, to include at least two units from each of two separate disciplines: philosophy, linguistics, biology, anthropology, computer science courses in mathematics.d) Cross-Cultural Studies—six units to include a foreign language at the 200 level plus four additional units. Students must complete six units even if the 200-level language requirement is met by placement exam. Students should select from courses focusing on ethnic or international history or social sciences, 300-level courses with ethnic or international focus in literature and languages, Humanities 230, religion, a second foreign language at the 200 level (cannot be met by placement exam).e) History and Social Sciences—six units in the following disciplines, to include at least two units from each of two separate disciplines: anthropology, economics, history, humanities (210, 220, 230), political science, religion, sociology.

Psychology 121 - Introduction to Psychology I

Full course for one semester, taught by several faculty members. Topics
such as visual perception, learning, memory, thinking, and language will be
considered from different perspectives within psychology. Illumination
from neighboring disciplines such as biology, philosophy, artificial
intelligence, and linguistics will be provided when appropriate.
Conferences and laboratories supplement the lectures and readings.
Lecture-laboratory-conference.

Psychology 122 - Introduction to Psychology II

Full course for one semester, taught by several faculty members. This
course provides an overview of selected topics in experimental,
clinical, and applied psychology. Topics include motivation,
human development, social behavior, personality, and psychopathology.
Conferences and laboratories supplement the lectures and readings.
Lecture-laboratory-conference.

Psychology 210 - Legal System and Psychology

Full course for one semester. This course addresses various kinds of interactions between law and psychology, in part by analyzing popular myths regarding these interactions. Topics will be broad, including the psychological aspects of forensic science, eyewitness and perpetrator memory, false confessions, expert witnesses, and defense strategies. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Lecture-conference.

Psychology 232 - Socialization of the Child

Full course for one semester. This course will focus on the
socialization process—the ways in which children’s personalities are
shaped by their relationships to parents, peers, and the larger
cultural context. Specific topics will include theory and research on
emotional attachment to parents, the origins of friendship and
prosocial behavior, aggression and bullying, the development of
morality, the socialization of self-control, and the role of teachers
and schools. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Lecture-conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 272 - Evolutionary Psychology

Full course for one semester. This course will examine psychological
mechanisms, particularly those common to all humans, in the context of
evolutionary theory. We will begin with foundations of evolutionary
theory and then move on to discuss specific adaptive problems,
including problems of survival, long-term mating, sexuality, parenting,
cooperation, aggression and warfare, conflict between the sexes, and
prestige. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Lecture-conference.

Psychology 296 - Psychology of Language Acquisition

Full course for one semester. This course focuses on the
processes by which children acquire language (such as word meanings,
morphology, and syntactic structure). We will try to explain the
“language paradox” of how all normal children acquire this vast and
complex knowledge from a limited input and in spite of linguistic
variation. We will study the specific issues of bilingualism, the
relation between language and thought, and language in special
populations. Theories of learning and mental representation will be
discussed in this context. Lecture-conference. Cross-listed as
Linguistics 296.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 313 - Adolescent Development

Full course for one semester. This course will take a developmental approach in considering biological, cognitive, and social changes that occur during adolescence and emerging adulthood. We will consider the effects of pubertal changes during this period, and explore topics such as identity development, autonomy, cognitive and moral changes, peer groups, early romantic relationships and sexuality, and psychological disorders. Throughout the course, we will discuss the effects of gender and culture, and challenge the nature of what we consider to be “normative” adolescent development. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Lecture-conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 315 - Positive Psychology

Full course for one semester. While there is no shortage of lay theories that offer advice on how to achieve “the good life,” this course will examine the nature of happiness and positive emotions from the viewpoint of experimental social psychology. Recent empirical research will be reviewed, and you will apply the information in written assignments and in class discussion. In addition, you will carry out a semester-long research project on a topic of interest. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of the instructor. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 318 - Group Processes

Full course for one semester. This course will address the behavior of people in groups. Basic research from social psychology will form a foundation for later discussion of group interactions in various applied settings, including courtrooms (e.g., jury deliberations), classrooms, and workplaces. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference

Psychology 319 - Psychology of Addictions

Full course for one semester. This course will examine the psychology
of addiction to substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, and narcotics,
and to behaviors, such as gambling, eating, and seeking pornography. We
will explore historical and cultural attitudes toward addictions,
theories of addiction along with related empirical findings, physical
and psychosocial consequences of addictions, and prevention and
treatment models. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 322 - Social Psychology

Full course for one semester. An examination of psychological theory
and research concerning the ways in which people think, feel, and act
in social situations. Conferences will focus on areas of basic social
psychological research and theory, including social cognition,
attribution, impression formation, social interaction, intergroup and
interpersonal relationships, and social influence. Special issues
addressed in the course are stereotyping and prejudice, the self within
the social context, and applications of social psychology to social
problems. Opportunities for students to plan and conduct empirical
research are available. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or
consent of the instructor. Conference.

Psychology 323 - Motivation in Educational Contexts

Full course for one semester. An overview of theory and research on motivation as it applies to educational contexts, focusing primarily on school-aged children. Why do some students focus on learning while others only care about getting the grade? How do rewards affect motivation? Why does failure sometimes debilitate and other times invigorate? How do we perceive our own academic abilities and how does this affect our self-worth? Where do these motivational processes come from and how do they develop? This course will draw on social, developmental, educational, and cognitive psychology as we address questions about achievement motivation. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 324 - Health Psychology

Full course for one semester. This course will examine how psychological principles can be employed to promote health, prevent illness, and encourage adherence to disease treatment regimens. The course will incorporate a biopsychosocial framework to address interactions between mental and physical health issues. We will analyze factors that influence risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, and sexually transmitted diseases, among other conditions. For the associated lab, students will engage in a self-directed project aimed at increasing the frequency of a healthy behavior (such as exercising) or decreasing the frequency of an unhealthy behavior (such as smoking). Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 325 - Stereotyping and Prejudice

Full course for one semester. An analysis of psychological theory and
empirical research on stereotyping and prejudice. The course will
explore a number of themes: the development and causes of intergroup
perceptions and antagonism, reasons for the persistence and prevalence
of stereotypes and prejudice, ways in which feelings and beliefs about
groups influence social perception and interaction, and possible ways
to change group stereotypes or reduce prejudice. In examining these
issues, conferences will consider both the ways in which individuals
perceive themselves as members of groups and the ways that they
perceive other groups. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or
consent of the instructor. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 330 - Comparative Cognition

Full course for one semester. An overview of current research and theory in comparative cognition—the scientific study of cognitive functioning from an evolutionary perspective. The course will emphasize continuities and discontinuities between humans and other animals in basic psychological process, including decision making, problem solving, remembering, symbolic and relational learning, awareness, and communication. We will read and discuss the primary literature, with special emphasis on experimental issues and comparative methods. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of instructor. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 333 - Behavioral Neuroscience

Full course for one semester. An examination of the basic concepts and methods of neuroanatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and neural modeling as they relate to the study of behavior and cognition. The physiological bases of such phenomena as sensorimotor function, motivation, emotion, biological rhythms, learning, memory, and psychopathology are topics to be considered in detail. The laboratory portion of the course includes mammalian brain dissection, neurohistology, and experimentation using animal models. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or consent of the instructor. Lecture-laboratory-conference.

Psychology 334 - Cognitive Neuroscience

Full course for one semester. The neural basis of cognition will be examined by focusing on evidence from electrophysiology, functional neuroimaging, and electromagnetic stimulation. Overviews of basic concepts including neuroanatomy, research methods, and various cognitive processes will be introduced via book chapters and review articles. Each concept will be explored in more detail through readings and discussions of the primary research literature. Topics will include single-cell recording, EEG/MEG, fMRI, TMS, perception, memory, attention, consciousness, cognitive control, and social cognition. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or consent of the instructor. Psychology 381 recommended. Lecture-conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 336 - Neuropsychology

Full course for one semester. We will explore models of normal higher
cognitive functions based on evidence obtained from brain-damaged
individuals and compare it with that obtained from intact individuals or from animal models. We will review functional neuroanatomy as it relates to higher cognitive functions, as well as methods and techniques used in the field. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of
the instructor. Lecture-conference.

Psychology 338 - Psychopharmacology

Full course for one semester. This course will examine the basic
principles of behavioral pharmacology with an emphasis on pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics including the mechanisms underlying drug metabolism,
tolerance, and sensitization. Following an overview of cell biology,
synaptic transmission, and receptor function, we will focus on
the molecular, biochemical, and behavioral characterization of
psychotropic drugs. These drugs include central nervous system
stimulants, sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics, alcohol, hallucinogens,
and opiates. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Psychology 333
recommended. Conference-lecture.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 344 - Thinking

Full course for one semester. We will survey classic and current
research on thinking. How (and how well) do we think and reason? This course will examine cognitive
psychology’s answers to this question. We will also consider the
relation between decision-making and rationality.
Prerequisites: Psychology 121, 122, and 366 or consent of the
instructor. Conference.

Psychology 345 - Research in Positive Psychology

Full course for one semester. Students will get hands-on research experience in positive psychology, with a focus on contentious and cutting-edge issues in the field. The class will begin by doing extensive background reading and gaining familiarity with research methods that are frequently used in the study of happiness. Students will use this foundation to select a topic of interest, then design and conduct a study on that topic, including reading, presenting and discussing relevant research, creating research designs, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting study findings. Prerequisite: Psychology 315, 322, or 351.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 348 - Research Design and Data Analysis

Full course for one semester. This course is designed to introduce the
basic concepts, logic, and methods of research design and data analysis
used in psychological research. Central questions include how to
select, perform, and interpret statistical techniques while emphasizing
the application of these techniques to students’ own research projects.
Topics include descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, t-tests,
one-way and two-way analysis of variance, and correlational techniques.
Lecture-laboratory.

Psychology 350 - Psychology and Law

Full course for one semester. This course is an examination of how
psychological research can inform and be informed by many aspects of
the legal process. Topics covered include forensic profiling,
eyewitness testimony, identification procedures, lie detection, jury
bias, jury decision making, and the insanity defense. Prerequisites:
Psychology 121, 122, and 366. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 351 - Psychopathology

Full course for one semester. This course focuses on description,
conceptualization, etiology, development, and prognosis of maladaptive
functioning. We examine theories and research about the origin and
development of specific mental health disorders, including
experimental, correlational, and cross-cultural research, and case
studies. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or consent of the
instructor. Lecture-conference.

Psychology 353 - Personality Theory

Full course for one semester. In this course, students will consider a variety of theoretical perspectives on individual differences, including psychoanalytic, biological, social-cognitive, and humanistic approaches. Methods of personality assessment will also be discussed, and recent research in personality psychology will be reviewed. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of the instructor. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 355 - Interpersonal Perception

Full course for one semester. This conference is an analysis of interpersonal relations focusing on the dynamic relationship between perception (of one’s self and others) and social interaction. The course will examine classic and current research on the complex interplay of interpersonal perception, social cognition, and behavior as everyday relations unfold. Conferences will focus on ways in which individuals attempt to make sense of themselves, other people and groups, and their social environment. Students conduct original empirical research. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference.

Psychology 361 - Developmental Psychology

Full course for one semester. An examination of theory and research on psychological development through the lifespan, focusing primarily on cognitive and social growth in the childhood years. This course begins with an overview of theoretical frameworks and research methods specific to the study of development. We then explore chronologically the development of the individual through five major periods of life: infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Students conduct original observational research and participate in fieldwork in local schools or other sites that serve children. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Conference.

Psychology 366 - Cognitive Processes

Full course for one semester. We will examine how humans acquire,
store, and use knowledge. The course will center on memory and
knowledge representation, but to understand these we will also need to
consider the processes of perceiving, categorizing, and attending. Our
emphasis will be on contemporary experimental approaches, and we will
discuss the methodological arguments underlying these approaches.
Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of the instructor.
Conference-lecture.

Psychology 368 - Primate Cognition

Full course for one semester. This course is an exploration of higher-order cognition in nonhuman primates, with an emphasis on the social cognitive abilities of these species. Conference discussion will be structured around careful reading of the primary literature, with a focus on the complementary questions of evolutionary continuity and discontinuity. In what ways are nonhuman primate minds fundamentally like our own, and in what ways are they different—sometimes startlingly so? Particular attention will be paid to the role that nonhuman primates’ social and physical ecology plays in defining the scope of their cognitive abilities. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or consent of the instructor. Conference.

Psychology 371 - Topics in Memory

Full course for one semester. This course looks at some of the factors that can influence the content and accuracy of human memory, from schemata to false memory manipulations. A few key controversies in memory research will be discussed in depth. Prerequisites: Psychology 121, 122, and 366. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 373 - Learning

Full course for one semester. We will undertake a systematic
examination of the factors governing learned behavior, with emphasis on
the relationship of animal to human behavior. Topics include learning
through associations, selection by consequences, and modeling; drug
addiction; discrimination and concept formation; choice and
self-control; voluntary action and free will; and verbal behavior.
Experimental methods and analyses are emphasized. Prerequisites:
Psychology 121 and 122, or Biology 101 and 102, or consent of the
instructor. Lecture-conference-laboratory.

Psychology 374 - Functional Variability

Full course for one semester. Much of psychology involves a search for predictable relationships, i.e., for deterministic laws. But variable and unpredictable behavior is often functional. Creativity, problem solving, exploration, scientific discovery, learning, voluntary (or free-willed) actions, self-control, mindfulness, and many other competencies may depend in part upon ability to vary thoughts and behaviors. This course is grounded in behavioral studies on variability but brings together research and discussions from different perspectives on the study of functional variability. We will explore how behavioral variability arises (its elicitation, motivation, and reinforcement); how it is explained (including chaotic and stochastic theories); and influences on it (including neurological injury, psychopathologies, drug states, age, and states of consciousness). Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, or junior or senior standing, or consent of the instructor. Conference-lecture.

Psychology 381 - Sensation and Perception

Full course for one semester. In this course students will investigate how the nervous system detects, analyzes, and creates meaning from environmental stimuli. The course explores the anatomy, physiology, and function of the sensory cells and the brain nuclei involved in various sensory modalities including vision, audition, olfaction, and touch. It investigates how these cells work in concert to produce a seamless perception of colors, textures, flavors, sounds, and smells. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122. Lecture-laboratory.

Psychology 385 - Cultural Psychology

Full course for one semester. This course will address the ways that cultural contexts shape mental processes and human behavior. The class will consider aspects of culture such as gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and sociopolitical frameworks. We will examine theories, research, and applied work that pertain to cross-cultural variations and similarities in psychological phenomena. Areas of focus will include development, cognition, emotion, personality, and approaches to health and healing. Aims for the course include gaining an awareness of methodologies in cross-cultural psychology, knowledge of current research topics in the field, and insight into the ways that cultural contexts influence our own everyday life experiences. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122 or consent of the instructor. Conference.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 393 - Psycholinguistics

Full course for one semester. This course is an introduction to the study of the human language-processing system, and how it is organized to
produce and comprehend language. We will study speech perception,
lexical access, and sentence processing in the context of language
acquisition, bilingualism, sign language, brain function, and language in
primates. Basic linguistic concepts will be covered. Students are
expected to design a research project. Prerequisite: Psychology 121 or
Linguistics 211, or consent of the instructor. Lecture-conference.
Cross-listed as Linguistics 393.

Psychology 415 - Learning and Comparative Research Methods

Full course for one semester. A systematic exploration of research methods in human and animal learning and cognition from a comparative perspective. Structured laboratory exercises are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in experimental and quantitative analysis used by investigators in the field, with special emphasis placed on the unique conceptual and methodological challenges of comparing behavior across species. Conferences will focus on critical examination of the primary research literature, emphasizing experimental issues and comparative methods. Prerequisite: Psychology 330 or 373. Conference-laboratory.

Psychology 417 - Attention and Consciousness Research

Full course for one semester. This course offers an in-depth look at the scientific study of consciousness by exploring research into the neurophysiology of attention and perception, and by addressing relevant theoretical considerations from neurophilosophy. Central questions will include: How can the electrical firing of neurons produce subjective experience? What types of brain processes establish the contents of consciousness, the continuity of consciousness, and the self who is conscious? How does neural activity differ for conscious versus unconscious processing? Students will critically examine the research literature and work in small groups throughout the semester on independent research projects. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, and either Psychology 334 or 381. Conference-laboratory.

Psychology 422 - The Social Self

Full course for one semester. This course is an analysis of classic and
current theory and research on the self within the social context. We
examine the complex interplay of the self with situational factors to
affect intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes. Conferences focus on
the content, structure, and organization of the self; personal and
social identities; implicit and explicit views of the self; motives of
the self; self-protection and coping with self-uncertainty; self-
regulation; the self within close relationships; and cultural models of
the self. Students conduct original empirical research on the social
self. Prerequisites: Psychology 121 and 122, and either Psychology 322
or 355. Conference-laboratory.

Not offered 2012-13.

Psychology 433 - Behavioral Neuroscience Research

Full course for one semester. A systematic consideration of the various research methods used by investigators working at the brain-behavior interface. The course will include hands-on laboratory experience in animal neurosurgery, histology, behavioral testing, and structured research projects directed at understanding how brain neurotransmitter and peptidergic systems contribute to the expression of behavior. Conferences will focus on the examination and critical analysis of primary research materials. Prerequisite: Psychology 333 or consent of the instructor. Conference-laboratory.

Psychology 434 - Advanced Topics in Neuropharmacology

One-half course for one semester. This course will focus on advanced discussions of the molecular, biochemical, and behavioral characterization of psychotropic compounds. Methods of research in neurobehavioral pharmacology will also be examined, as will the neural circuitry underlying drug reinforcement, reward, and addiction. Prerequisite: Psychology 333 or consent of the instructor. Conference.

Psychology 439 - Psycholinguistic Research: Bilingualism

Full course for one semester. This course focuses on theory, design,
and methods of psycholinguistic research specializing in the study of
bilingualism. We will consider developmental, neurolinguistic,
cognitive, neuroscientific, linguistic, and sociolinguistic theory and
data, with an emphasis on psycholinguistic methods applied to the study
of bilingualism. Topics include developmental aspects and cognitive
consequences of bilingualism; bilingual memory; bilingual brain
representation and aphasia; lexical access and language processing in
bilinguals; and the notion of a critical period in second-language
acquisition. Students will work in small groups to conduct empirical
research projects throughout the semester. Prerequisites: Psychology
121, 122, and 393. Conference-laboratory. Cross-listed as Linguistics
439.

Psychology 442 - Clinical Psychology

Full course for one semester. We will discuss design and methodological issues related to studying the effectiveness and efficacy of psychological interventions. We examine theory and research for various schools of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral interventions, with brief coverage of multicultural, family, child, and group approaches. Students participate in fieldwork in off-campus facilities related to mental health. Prerequisites: Psychology 121, 122, 351 and junior or senior standing. Conference.

Psychology 470 - Thesis

Full course for one year. Theses in psychology will include empirical
research—experimental, observational, or data analytical. Under unusual
circumstances the requirement for empirical research may be waived by
the department.

Psychology 481 - Individual Work in Special Fields

One-half or full course for one semester. Prerequisites: junior or
senior standing, and approval of the instructor and the division.